Cracks in PNU deepen over Jubilee merger

Cracks continue to deepen in the Party of National Unity (PNU) after a section of members insisted that the party will wind up and join the Jubilee Party.

Addressing journalists in Nakuru on Tuesday, the party chairman, John Kamama, said that nothing will stop them from joining Jubilee saying the insurgence by Meru Governor Peter Munya and former MPs Jeremiah Kioni and Nderitu Mureithi are misplaced.

He said that the three have no authority to speak on behalf of PNU since they are not members of the party.

Kamama said that from the onset of its formation, PNU was pegged on peace and unity and as such there was need to join Jubilee Party since its formation is based on the same values.

He dismissed reports that people from Mount Kenya region are unlikely to support Deputy President William Ruto’s presidential bid in 2022 saying that protests is orchestrated by people out to scuttle the party.

While backing Kamama, David Langat, a PNU member, said that they fully back Kamama’s position to join Jubilee due to his contributions to the party.

He said that by joining Jubilee, PNU will have made a contribution to consolidate votes for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election bid in 2017.

The party’s plans to join Jubilee have faced opposition from a section of the members led by Secretary General John Okwemwa.

Okwemwa has termed Kamama’s interest in joining Jubilee as inconsequential saying he has no say in party affairs.

The SG has said the party will support Peter Munya’s reelection bid in 2017 and his presidential bid in 2022.

Okwemwa’s wing of the party is set to hold a National Delegates Conference in September to discuss the way forward for the one-time ruling party.